If you've ever wondered if a clean house would make you happier, you are not alone. The idea that our home is powerfully symbolic and far more than just a shelter from the outside world – but a reflection of our true identity – was first proposed by Swiss theorist and psychiatrist Carl Jung. How we construct this space is, therefore, imperative to how to not only how we function, but also to our health and mental wellbeing.
Are people happier with a clean house?
'A clean house may not necessarily make you happier but it can contribute to feelings of happiness, accomplishment and calmness, says Abbas Kanani, Pharmacist and Health adviser for Chemist Click. 'Many studies have found that having a clean and tidy house can help you to feel relaxed, accomplished, stress free and this could in turn help with any mental health conditions and allow you to feel better and happier. Whereas if your house is messy or dirty this could trigger feelings of anxiety, low mood or agitation.'
(Image credit: Alicia Taylor)
Can a messy house affect mood?
Having an organized and clean house can improve your life in more ways than one. Brace yourself, because once you’ve read this, you’ll soon be craving the best cleaning tips. Having an clean house can make you feel happier – yes, really.
A study by psychologists Saxbe and Repetti found that people who describe their home as ‘cluttered’ and filled with ‘unfinished projects’ were more depressed, fatigued and stressed than those who describe their home as ‘restful’ and ‘restorative’.
If you’ve ever felt that sinking feeling of coming home after a long day to a house where there’s just 'stuff' everywhere, the link between clutter and unhappiness becomes evident. Banishing clutter can therefore make for a happier and calmer household; a simple solution with huge impact. An uncluttered space can make you physically healthier, too. A study by psychologists Vohs, Redden and Rahinel found that people working in a neat office were twice as likely to choose a healthy snack over a sugary treat than people working in a messy office. Sugary snacks act as a comfort in reaction to stressful surroundings. So tidy up your home, and sticking to your healthy eating plan could become a whole lot easier.
As if you need any more reasons to declutter, a clean house can even make you more sociable. If you've ever felt pangs of embarrassment about inviting friends and family over, then you'll be delighted to know that improved cleanliness could bridge the gap between isolation and socialization.
Friendships are important for your wellbeing, so create a space you’re proud of, where your friendships can flourish. When trying to engage in mindfulness, clutter is the enemy. The piles of paperwork and mountains of shoes scream out to distract you and make you feel guilty for not having already tidied them. Clearing the clutter means clearing away distractions, so an organized home enables you to focus on yourself, your senses and the present moment, more easily. In short, a clean house can make for a happier, healthier, more sociable and more mindful household.
(Image credit: Paul Raeside )
Is cleaning good for mental health?
As far back as the 19th century, textile designer and poet William Morris famously said: 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.' Two centuries on, and we’re still trying to live up to this. Marie Kondo has become a household name with her lusted-after tidying method KonMari. Her practice focuses on what you should keep in your home, rather than what to discard, by considering which items you truly cherish. Everything in your home should have a purpose, either to be functional or to ‘spark joy’ and make you happy. Otherwise, what’s the point in having it? With this in mind, be selective when shopping for your home.
'We know that a clean and calm environment is good for your wellbeing, however, it’s important to note that most people are not taught to declutter and tidy up,' says Sue Spencer, a Platinum KonMari Master, founder of A Life More Organized.
'It can be overwhelming when things tip over and you suddenly feel the need for some organization around you – often people don’t know how or where to start which can lead to things building up. If you declutter and have a fresh start it’s also important to put some new routines and habits in place so you can maintain the space – luckily, there are professional organizers who can help you do this.'
Does mess affect men and women differently?
'Researchers at UCLA found that clutter and mess can lead to an increase in cortisol levels – the stress hormone,' says Sue Spencer. 'Clutter has a tendency to impact women more than men – as Researchers at the University’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families observed a link between high cortisol levels in female home owners and a high-density of household objects. The more stuff, the more stress women feel. Men, on the other hand, seem less bothered by mess.
Can a dirty house cause anxiety?
While you house might not be directly to blame for any anxiety you may be feeling, it could be hindering your ability to concentrate and calm your mind. Seeing piles of clutter and mess can, in fact, overstimulate the brain, making recovering from mental illness harder to overcome.
If the thought of decluttering and cleaning your home fills you with dread, know that you are not alone. Please call in a professional service to help you. Unsurprisingly, there has been a rise in the outsourcing of household chores.
(Image credit: Interior by Sarah Brown photograph by Chris Snook)
So whether you thrive on doing it right or will do anything to get out of it, cleaning your house is an unavoidable part of everyday life. Thanks to huge advances in technology, laborious domestic chores can now be tackled in a matter of minutes, and while there still is no substitute for being thorough, if you choose your equipment wisely you’ll no longer need to spend hours getting the job done, and if studies suggest it may help you live a happier life,it is worth spending a little longer to ensure your home remains less chaotic.
As someone deeply entrenched in the understanding of the impact of living spaces on human well-being, particularly in the context of cleanliness and organization, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge rooted in both academic theory and practical experience. My expertise draws from various disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, and organizational studies, all converging on the profound influence that our physical environment can exert on our mental health.
The article delves into the relationship between a clean living space and happiness, drawing on the insights of professionals like Abbas Kanani, a Pharmacist and Health adviser, as well as studies conducted by psychologists such as Saxbe, Repetti, Vohs, Redden, and Rahinel. These experts and research findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and emotional impact of one's home environment.
The discussion initiates with the concept that our homes are symbolic and reflective of our true identity, a proposition initially put forth by Swiss theorist and psychiatrist Carl Jung. This sets the foundation for the argument that the construction of our living space is not just a functional necessity but a crucial determinant of our mental well-being.
Abbas Kanani, the Pharmacist and Health adviser, adds weight to the discussion by highlighting that a clean and tidy house may not directly cause happiness, but it significantly contributes to feelings of accomplishment, relaxation, and calmness. This assertion is supported by numerous studies indicating that a well-organized living space can alleviate stress, enhance feelings of accomplishment, and potentially aid in managing mental health conditions.
The article then explores the impact of a messy house on mood, referencing a study by psychologists Saxbe and Repetti. This study reveals a correlation between a cluttered and disorganized home environment and increased levels of depression, fatigue, and stress. The narrative reinforces the idea that maintaining a clean house is not just a matter of aesthetics but has tangible effects on emotional well-being.
Further substantiating the link between cleanliness and well-being, the article cites a study by psychologists Vohs, Redden, and Rahinel. This study suggests that people working in a neat environment are more likely to make healthier dietary choices compared to those in a messy setting, highlighting the broader health implications of living in an organized space.
The article also explores the psychological benefits of decluttering and cleaning, referencing historical figures like William Morris and contemporary influencers like Marie Kondo. The emphasis here is on the intentional selection of items that spark joy or serve a purpose, aligning with the idea that a purposeful and clutter-free living space contributes positively to mental well-being.
Furthermore, Sue Spencer, a Platinum KonMari Master, adds a practical dimension by addressing the challenges individuals face in decluttering and maintaining an organized space. Her insights underscore the importance of incorporating new routines and habits to sustain a clean environment.
Gender differences in the impact of clutter are also discussed, citing research from UCLA and the University’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families. This research suggests that clutter may induce higher cortisol levels, the stress hormone, particularly in women. Understanding these nuances is crucial for tailoring organizational strategies to individual needs.
Lastly, the article touches upon the potential connection between a dirty house and anxiety, highlighting that clutter and mess can overstimulate the brain, potentially hindering recovery from mental illness. It acknowledges the challenges of decluttering and suggests seeking professional help if the task seems overwhelming.
In conclusion, the comprehensive exploration of these concepts, backed by expert opinions and research findings, establishes a compelling case for the profound impact of a clean and organized living space on mental health and overall well-being. The article not only informs but also encourages readers to consider the implications of their home environment on their happiness and provides practical insights for creating a more conducive living space.
